Width-folding system and method for folding an article of clothing

Abstract

An active width folder system configured for article folding within compact article folding machines and includes a holding member with two opposite holding edges which extend in an article motion direction, a conveyor configured for conveying articles in the motion direction and a pair of actuated folding members, each configured for lifting and folding at least a portion of the article. Wherein, each folding member has a retractable lifting surface which has a variable length at least in the width direction which is perpendicular to the motion direction.

1 . An active width folder system ( 10 ) configured for article folding within compact article folding machines and comprising:
 a folding member ( 14 );   a holding member ( 12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ,  412 ) comprising two opposite holding edges ( 20 ) extending in an article motion direction (MD);   a conveyor ( 16 ) aligned and configured for conveying articles in the motion direction (MD) and located underneath the holding member ( 12 ) in a vertical direction (VD) perpendicular to the motion direction (MD);   wherein each holding member ( 12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ,  412 ) comprises:   a single or two holding panels ( 18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318 ,  418 );   a width adjustment mechanism; and   for each holding panel ( 18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318 ,  418 ), the holding member ( 12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ,  412 ) has a support assembly ( 22 ,  122 ,  222 ,  322 ,  422 ) configured to support and suspend the holding panel at one end thereof, and ensure article passage thereunder while counteracting folding forces exerted in a width direction (WD) which is perpendicular to the vertical direction (VD) and motion direction (MD).   
     
     
         2 . The width folder system ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein each holding member ( 212 ) has a receiving plate ( 221 ) which is located at a rear portion of the holding member ( 212 ), extends in the width direction WD and oriented transversely with respect to the conveyor ( 16 ); the receiving plate ( 221 ) is configured to lead the article in between the holding member ( 212 ) and the conveyor ( 16 ). 
     
     
         3 . The width folder system ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein each holding panel ( 418 ) has a sliding member ( 423 ) rigidly fixed between the holding panel ( 418 ) and the conveyor ( 16 ). 
     
     
         4 . The width folder system ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein each support assembly ( 22 ,  322 ) has parallelogrammatic hinge arrangement configured for ensuring one degree of freedom of movement and wherein each holding panel ( 18 ,  318 ) remains parallel to the conveyor ( 16 ) after the fabric was conveyed therebetween. 
     
     
         5 . The width folder system ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein each support assembly ( 22 ,  122 ,  222 ,  422 ) has a double-hinged arrangement which allows at least two degrees of freedom of movement for each holding panel ( 18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  418 ).